Numbers 31:18

Arabic Bible ERV 2009

أمّا الفَتَياتُ اللَّواتِي لَمْ يُعاشِرْنَ أحَداً، فَأبقُوا عَلَى حَياتِهِنَّ لَكُمْ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from the book of Numbers instructs the Israelites to keep alive the young girls who have not had sexual relations. The speaker is God, relaying instructions to the Israelites. The key message is about the selective treatment of captives based on age and sexual status.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game where you have to choose who to save in a story. In this case, the story is from a very old book, and the people are told to save the young girls who haven't gone through puberty yet. It's a bit like choosing which toys to keep because they're still new.

Historical Background

This verse is part of the book of Numbers, written around 1400-1300 BCE by Moses. It was written for the Israelites as they wandered in the desert, detailing God's instructions for dealing with the Midianites after a battle.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, this verse reflects on the complex issue of dealing with war captives, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between different groups. It can be paralleled with contemporary discussions on how to treat refugees and displaced persons, especially minors.

Topics

• war
• gender
• ethics
• ancient practices
• military conquest
• refugees

Related Verses

• Deuteronomy 20:14
• Joshua 6:25
• Judges 21:12
• 1 Corinthians 7:36
• Ephesians 5:22

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main point of Numbers 31:18?

The main point is that young, sexually inexperienced girls should be kept alive as part of the post-battle instructions given by God to the Israelites.

How does this verse relate to modern ethical discussions?

It raises questions about the ethical treatment of captives and minors, which are still relevant in discussions about refugees and the treatment of women and children in conflict zones.

Can you explain the cultural context of Numbers 31:18?

This verse reflects the cultural norms of ancient Israel, where the treatment of captives, especially women and children, was heavily influenced by the customs and laws of the time.

What does this verse tell us about gender roles in ancient Israel?

It indicates that gender and age played significant roles in determining the fate of captives, with young, unmarried women being spared while others were not.